What free courses are available on Coursera?

Coursera offers thousands of free courses across topics like data science , business , health , computer science , personal development , and more. While you can explore lectures and course content at no cost, some features—like assessments and certificates—may require payment.

Can I earn a certificate from a free Coursera course?

Yes, but certificates are typically not included in the free version of a course. To earn a certificate, you’ll usually need to pay for the course or apply financial aid if available. You can still learn all the material for free through audit mode.

How do I enroll in a course for free on Coursera?

To start a course for free, choose the “Audit the course” or “Enroll for free” option during sign-up. This lets you access video lectures and some assignments without payment. Look for courses labeled as “Free” or those that offer a free audit option.

What’s the difference between auditing a course and paying for one on Coursera?

Auditing a course gives you free access to the learning materials, like videos and reading content. Paying for a course unlocks graded assignments, assessments, and a certificate upon completion—which may be useful for showcasing your skills or professional development.

Are free Coursera courses from top universities?

Yes, many free courses are taught by instructors from top institutions like Stanford , Yale , University of Pennsylvania , and companies like IBM . These courses offer an accessible way to learn from leading educators and professionals around the world.

Top Free Courses - Learn Free Online

Find the Best Free Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Functional Programming in Scala
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, User Interface (UI), Distributed Computing, Programming Principles, Big Data, Software Design, Data Structures, Software Design Patterns, Functional Design, Data Manipulation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Interactive Data Visualization, Computer Programming, Data Processing, Real Time Data, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Performance Tuning, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Universidade de São Paulo
Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 1
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Science, Python Programming, Algorithms
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Video Game Development, Software Testing, Software Development, Programming Principles, Software Design, Game Design, Computer Programming, Animation and Game Design, Debugging, Computational Thinking, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, UI Components, Software Design, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Development Environment, Computer Science, File Management, Algorithms, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Data Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Developing AI Applications with Python and Flask
Skills you'll gain: Flask (Web Framework), Unit Testing, Application Development, Application Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Python Programming, IBM Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Web Applications, Code Review, Application Programming Interface (API), Restful API, Programming Principles, Style Guides
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Imperial College London
Introduction to Python for Researchers
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Program Development, Microsoft Visual Studio, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Python Programming, Debugging, Development Environment
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
JavaScript for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: jQuery, Javascript and jQuery, Ajax, Javascript, Data Validation, UI Components, HTML and CSS, Scripting, JSON, Scripting Languages, Web Development Tools, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, Web Design and Development, Event-Driven Programming, Game Design, Application Programming Interface (API), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Animations, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Python for Genomic Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Structures, Jupyter, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Processing, Computer Programming, Data Manipulation, File Management
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
.NET FullStack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Model View Controller, ASP.NET, .NET Framework, HTML and CSS, Restful API, C# (Programming Language), Front-End Web Development, JSON, Web Services, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Javascript, Web Design and Development, React.js, Application Programming Interface (API), Back-End Web Development, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Architecture, Application Security
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
307 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Expressway to Data Science: Python Programming
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plot (Graphics), Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Histogram, Functional Design, Data Import/Export, Package and Software Management, Scripting, Scripting Languages, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Data Science, Data Structures
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
285 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Data Analysis Using Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Data Cleansing, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Scatter Plots, NumPy, Data Transformation, Jupyter, Data Validation, Data Import/Export, Histogram, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Scripting Languages
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
417 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Introduction to Data Science in Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Data Structures, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export, Probability & Statistics, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks